Olivier Bernard believes Newcastle United have “missed out” by failing to take transfer target Bafétimbi Gomis on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old was offered to the Magpies for nothing after running down his contract at Lyon.

However, Newcastle did not want to pay his wages or what has been described as a “hefty” signing-on fee. Gomis has been in Wales with Swansea City hoping to tie a deal up for the player who grabbed 14 goals in 34 games in Ligue 1 last term.

With Newcastle yet to sign a senior striker this summer, and only Papiss Cisse on the books as an established scorer, the Chronicle’s French football expert fears United might regret opting out of bringing Gomis to Tyneside.

Bernard, who began his career at Lyon, said: “I think we have missed out – especially on a free transfer. He is one of the finest target men in the French market.

“He can hold the ball up well and physically he can battle with the best of them, and on top of that he is a good finisher.

“It would have given Newcastle’s frontline real presence.

“Newcastle have lacked that for a while in some ways, since Andy Carroll left, although Gomis is a lot more mobile than Carroll.”

Bernard also revealed thoughtful Gomis had done his homework last season by heading to Newcastle to take in a game at St James’ Park and take a look around the city.

He added: “Gomis was keen on Newcastle.

“He came to the city to watch a game and have a look round. He liked it. Yet at 28 this is his last big move and any footballer knows that is important.

“He still has something to offer and that is why I think Newcastle are missing out.”

United players head back in for pre-season training and fitness tests at the end of next week.

New boys Jack Colback and Ayoze Perez will meet team-mates for the first time, but time is against United if they are to add another before training gets under way.

Bernard feels bringing in Gomis would have been just the job.

He said: “I think signing him would have lifted the players at Newcastle.

“He is a good character and a big character, he would galavanise the rest of the French players.

“The dressing room needs a boost. They have lost Shola Ameobi and Yohan Cabaye in the last six months and they are big characters.

“It would have sent out the right message. If they believe they can get a top-10 finish you have to go for these players.”

United’s other strike target is Gomis’ former Lyon club-mate Alexandre Lacazette, but Bernard feels United could have sweetened the move for Lacazette by snapping up close pal Gomis.

He added: “In Gomis they would have signed a better than average player.

“It would not have been such a big deal to pay him the money because they were not paying him the transfer fee. If Gomis scores the goals in the Premier League then it will have been wrong to say no.

“If you do the calculations then you are doing all right business-wise if he gets 15 or more goals. He is good friends with Lacazette. It is like Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy. One can help get the other.”

:: Bernard is director of football at Durham City FC, who are looking for sponsorship opportunities for the new season.

The Northern League club finished ninth last season but will be looking to push on next term.